Green Lacewings

Family Chrysopidae

Identification

There a several common Queensland species of green lacewings. Most have an elongate green body, often with a central yellow stripe down the back, and copper-coloured eyes. The antennae are threadlike and almost as long as the transparent wings.

Green lacewings can be common in suburban gardens and are often attracted to lights at night. Adults and larvae are useful predators in the garden, feeding on aphids and other soft-bodied plant pests. Females lay eggs on long, thin stalks, either singly or in groups. The larvae of some species cover the upper surface of their bodies with debris and the sucked-out shells of their prey.

Green Lacewing eggs

Green Lacewing (Mallada traviata)

Larva with attached debris

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